The Dalai Lama is set to meet with 11 senior Buddhist monks on Wednesday morning (July 2) before releasing a written statement that is expected to address the issue of his succession, an official confirmed. Tibetan Buddhists believe that enlightened lamas are reincarnated to carry on their spiritual teachings. As the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday this Sunday, there is growing anticipation that he may reveal hints about where his next incarnation — possibly a boy or girl — could be found after his passing.

The Chinese government, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist since his exile in 1959 following a failed uprising, insists it will select his successor. However, the Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that his reincarnation will be born outside of China and has urged followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing.

In the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama lives in exile with thousands of Tibetans, preparations are underway for a religious conference running Wednesday through Friday, ahead of his birthday celebrations over the weekend. Spiritual leaders from various Buddhist traditions have already arrived for the gathering.

“All the religious heads have come and will be meeting His Holiness, possibly to discuss matters related to reincarnation,” said Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Tibetan government-in-exile, as mist and rain enveloped the hill town. More than 100 religious figures, including senior monks, will take part in the conference’s opening day, issuing a formal declaration of gratitude to the Dalai Lama and deliberating on future directions, Lekshay added.

While the Dalai Lama will deliver a pre-recorded speech in Tibetan, it is not expected to touch on the reincarnation topic. However, he is likely to address the issue in a written statement later in the morning, Lekshay noted. Another official, requesting anonymity, confirmed that the written message would include remarks on the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.